Trades & Labor Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Welder Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median welder salary in Buffalo, NY is $43,249 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$43,249
vs State Avg
$-14,103
vs National
$-3,761
Cost of Living
92%

Welder Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median welder salary of $43,249, which is $14,103 below the New York state average of $57,352. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for welders in Buffalo spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $65,136 at the 90th percentile — a $34,592 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,440, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,560. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level welder earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $35,696
Median (50th) $43,249
75th Percentile $53,544
90th Percentile $65,136

Welder Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Welder in Buffalo

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Buffalo and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Buffalo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open welder positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Welder make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median welder salary in Buffalo, New York is $43,249 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $65,136 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,249, a welder in Buffalo earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for welder pay? ▼
Buffalo's median welder salary of $43,249 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $57,352. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $43,249 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Buffalo? ▼
Most welder positions in Buffalo require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.